What is the dividend withholding rate between Australia and United States?
Under the Australia-United States tax treaty, the withholding rate on dividends is 15% for portfolio investors (general rate). A reduced rate of 5% applies when the beneficial owner is a company holding a qualifying ownership stake (typically 10% or more of voting stock). Note that the reduced rate requires the recipient to file the appropriate treaty benefit claim form before payment. This 15% rate compares to a median of 15% across Australia's 48 active treaty partners, and 15% across United States's 64 active partners.
Network Comparison
Australia
Rank 45 of 48 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)
Lower rates with: Slovak Republic (15%), Thailand (15%), Turkey (15%)
Higher rates with: Vietnam (15%), South Africa (15%), Philippines (25%)
United States
Rank 12 of 64 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)
Lower rates with: Mexico (10%), Romania (10%), Austria (15%)
Higher rates with: Barbados (15%), Bangladesh (15%), Belgium (15%)
Sources
- United States Treaty Reference(treaty text)
- IRS Table 1 (Withholding Rates)(rate table)
Data last reviewed: 2026-04-07